Barkman, Jakob D. (1886-1971)

Jakob D. Barkman: Mennonite engineer and photographer; born in 1886 in Hochstadt on the East Reserve in Manitoba. His father was Martin G. Barkman (1853-1900) who had immigrated with his family from Russia to Manitoba, Canada in 1874. On 26 November 1905, Jakob married Anna Barkman (1887-1986), daughter of Johann T. Barkman (1862-1900). They settled in Steinbach, Manitoba where Jakob worked for Anna's uncle, Peter T. Barkman, part owner of the village flour mill. Jakob had obtained his engineering license. He was therefore qualified to run the steam boiler at the flour mill which provided electricity for the community. Anna was well known in Steinbach for her gardening ability. She planted an apple tree in 1906 which was the towns oldest tree still living in 1995. Jakob and Anna had 14 children, all of whom survived to adulthood.

Jakob D. Barkman died in 1971. One of his most lasting legacies is the photography work he did in and around Steinbach during the 1920s and 1930s. His work has been featured in Reflections on our heritage by Abe Warkentin, published in 1974, and Steinbach: there's no place like it by Gerald Wright, published in 1993.